7 Outdated Garden Path Ideas That Date Your Home – and Designer-led Inspiration For What To Choose Instead

Whether you are planning to add a completely new path to your garden or want to rethink an existing one, you'll want to know what the key trends are to guide you in your choices.

In terms of design, the key thing to remember is that path proportions should relate in scale to other garden features and be sympathetic to the style of your house. Garden path ideas should also clearly contribute to the overall layout of the garden.

A path should never look out of place, instead segueing harmoniously into the design like it has always been there rather than jumping out as an afterthought. To keep you on track, we spoke to landscape designers to find out seven outdated path styles and the high-impact alternatives they are choosing to replace them with.

7 Outdated Garden Path Ideas To Avoid

'We are seeing a real shift towards garden paths that are actually beautiful, sustainable and tailored to your personal style,' says landscape architect Robert Groff.

'We're no longer seeing paths as just a way to get from A to B, but integrated into the overall garden experience.'

This means there's more emphasis now on garden paths that look good as well as being the most practical option. We asked landscaping experts to pinpoint the outdated garden path ideas you should avoid, and how to find inspiration for what to choose instead.

Robert Groff

Robert Groff’s career in the landscape design-build industry began shortly after graduating from West Virginia University with a degree in landscape architecture. Serving Northern Virginia homeowners since 2007, Rob has a passion for delighting clients with outdoor living spaces they can’t wait to spend time in. He also has a deep love and respect for the environment, which is evident in the company’s eco-friendly construction practices.

1. Straight Paths With Overgrown Shrubs

'One of the most obvious outdated garden path ideas is straight concrete paths from the street to the front door,' says landscape designer Caroline Ervin. 'These are uninspired and not very inviting.'

This type of path is made even less appealing if it's between a hedge of shrubs, especially ones that are overgrown. 'This makes the path feel like a tunnel you're following to the front door,' says Caroline.

She suggests a gentle curve in the path instead to create a more graceful entry, softened with planting beds to the sides, and strategically placed trees and shrubs.

'Keep curves soft, like a flat “S”, making the walk to the house interesting, but not an obstacle course. Paths that are too wiggly may look pretty on a plan but are not the easiest for guests to navigate.'

Enhance the beauty of the path by using natural stone, which is solid and stable, especially set on a mortar bed or concrete foundation.

Caroline Ervin

Caroline Erwin studied landscape design at George Washington University. Since 2007 she has worked closely with clients to design, install and maintain both small and large residential gardens in Washington DC and its suburbs. Travels to gardens throughout the US and Europe have added to her design background and understanding of historical gardens. Caroline also owns The Georgetown Garden Shop in Washington DC.

2. White Gravel Paths

'While pretty, white gravel paths are hard to maintain,' says landscape architect Joseph Richardson of Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture. 'They show dirt quickly, and can be uncomfortable or impractical for high-traffic areas.'

Instead Joseph suggests using warm-toned gravels, decomposed granite, or stabilized gravel systems with hidden binders that offer a softer, more natural look with improved durability and accessibility. 'Pairing gravel with steel or stone edging also keeps lines crisp and intentional.'

For a design like the one pictured it's important to ensure the stepping stones are wide enough for comfort, narrow enough to feel intimate, and functional enough for two people to pass when needed.

'Undersized stepping stones require users to constantly look down and adjust their stride, which disrupts the experience of the garden and can feel awkward or unsafe,' explains Joseph. 'We try to keep stepping stone pathways between 36 inches to 42 inches at most.'

Joseph Richardson

Joseph Richardson is the founder of Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture, a boutique firm based in Washington DC. Passionate about design, planning, and construction, Joe leads a team of experts on commissions ranging from intimate urban courtyards to idyllic suburban properties and sprawling country estates. A graduate of Louisiana State University’s Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture, Joe is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

3. Paths That Are Too Narrow

'I often educate my clients that not all garden paths are created equally, and strong landscape design assigns a hierarchy to garden paths,' explains landscape designer Andrea Scharff. 'Primary pathways to the front door should look different from secondary or tertiary paths, from their materials to their dimensions.

Outdated garden path ideas won't follow this rule, as they're often too narrow (36 inches or less) and made out of unattractive materials.

'A narrow path leading to the front door of a house made of old concrete with a salt finish or outdated stamped pattern is going to scream at visitors "sheer ugliness lives here," ' says Andrea. 'It doesn't suggest a warm welcome for a family gathering or play date.'

The materials should speak to the architecture and materials found in the house itself. 'I like to suggest that clients choose a monolithic surface,' explains Andrea. 'While gravel or smaller format grass and pavers are romantic, they are not going to function well for granny's cane and walker or your friend's baby stroller.'

Andrea Scharff

A Virginia native, Andrea Scharff grew up surrounded by some of the nation's most beautiful and historic gardens. After studying Landscape Design at the New York Botanical Garden she started her landscape firm in LA 20 years ago. Andrea Scharff Landscape Design specializes in residential and commercial landscaping. Her designs have been featured in Sunset Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, and Luxe Magazine.

4. Path Designs That Feel Forced

'From a builder’s perspective, garden paths work best when they feel like they’ve always been there,' says landscaping expert Mark Janiczek. 'The designs that feel outdated today are usually the ones that try too hard to impose order on the landscape instead of responding to it.'

Straight, rigid paths are a good example. When a path ignores the natural slope, grade changes, or existing plantings, it can feel forced.

'The same goes for materials that are overly plain or utilitarian, like basic poured concrete. They tend to read more like infrastructure than part of the home’s overall design.

'What we’re seeing now is a move toward paths that feel quieter and more natural,' continues Mark. 'Instead of fighting the land, they follow it. Layouts are more relaxed, adjusting subtly to the site and creating a sense of flow rather than formality.'

In this recent modern renovation above, Mark built a new garden path beneath a contemporary arbor using large slate pavers laid in an offset pattern.

Native Pennsylvania plantings were woven throughout, allowing the path to feel connected to its surroundings instead of standing apart from it. It’s functional, understated, and fits naturally into the site.

Mark Janiczek

Mark Janiczek is the founder and president of Janiczek Homes, a luxury custom homebuilder based on Philadelphia’s Main Line. With more than 40 years' experience, he is known for building thoughtfully designed homes that emphasize craftsmanship, proportion, and a strong connection to their surroundings. Mark’s unwavering commitment to quality and detail has earned him numerous industry accolades.

5. Harsh, Uninviting Concrete Paths

One of the most common outdated garden path ideas is concrete walkways. 'Many homeowners come to us wanting to remove existing concrete paths that feel harsh and uninviting,' says landscaping expert Rebecca Harrison. 'Rather than enhancing the surrounding landscape, instead these paths often dominate it.'

As an alternative, Rebecca is seeing strong interest in natural flagstone stepping stones.

'In our region of South Texas, flagstone slabs are especially popular as well as readily available, which makes them an easy and practical choice for creating a more natural-looking garden path that still feels intentional and durable.' She has also seen interest in segmented concrete pads with grass or gravel joints.

There is a clear shift away from following trends for the sake of trends and instead creating pathways that feel connected to both the home and the landscape around them.

'The most successful garden paths are the ones that invite people to slow down, move through the space thoughtfully, and enjoy the garden as part of their everyday routine,' adds Rebecca, 'rather than simply passing through it.'

Rebecca Harrison

Rebecca Harrison is a San Antonio-based landscape professional with a background in soil science and many years experience in horticulture and landscape project management. As design co-ordinator at VHS Outdoor Living she specialize in creating thoughtful, functional outdoor spaces through a collaborative design process.

6. High-maintenance Marble Chips

Garden paths are often overlooked as an afterthought but they should be prioritized as highly functional design elements. 'Today’s homeowners crave wellbeing and ease,' says garden designer Kate Robinson. 'When paths feel intuitive to walk, they age well and require less maintenance.'

Marble chip paths are one of the main outdated garden path ideas because they definitely can't be described as any of these. 'They migrate, decrease accessibility, stick to shoes, and require constant weeding and maintenance,' explains Kate. 'Marble chips are also unstable for people with mobility or balance challenges.'

Instead Kate applies this strategy. 'Large natural stone steppers set in smooth river rock offer stability, permeability, and a more intentional look. The best garden paths prioritize comfort, function, and longevity, blending seamlessly into the landscape while withstanding real-life use.'

Kate Robinson

Kate Robinson is the founder of Wild Birch Design, a Vermont-based experiential landscape and interior design studio. With a background in hospitality, she cultivates outdoor spaces that balance beauty, accessibility, and long-term maintenance.

7. Dull Herringbone Paths

The classic red-brick garden path might look nice on an old historic property, but mostly it was just the same old path design from one house to the next, according to landscape architect Robert Groff.

'A standard row of red bricks laid out in a herringbone or running bond pattern was the usual thing to see in the suburbs. Predictable, but boring, with no real personality.'

Meanwhile modern pavers are getting more creative all the time. 'Now you can get pavers in all sorts of different shapes, colors and textures, so you can make these really cool intricate patterns and designs,' says Robert. 'Or if you want something a bit more eco-friendly, you can use old bricks or stones to make it a real work of art.

The modern garden path, concludes Robert is all about finding that balance between what works and what looks good. 'It's no longer just about getting from A to B, but about creating an experience that is all your own, and that just happens to be nice on the environment too.'

Shop Lighting Ideas for Garden Paths

One final tip: think about the soft modernism garden design trend as your starting point as it's a sure way to avoid outdated garden path ideas.

This move away from highly stylized outdoor spaces means using a minimal number of different landscaping materials to guide your choice.